COLUMBUS – The Ohio Legislative Black Caucus announced their opposition today to House Bill 203, Ohio’s version of the recently criticized “Stand Your Ground” law. The group plans to initiate a petition drive and to work with government and community leaders throughout Ohio to draw attention to the controversial bill, with hopes of preventing any legislative action on the measure.

“Ohio already has reasonable self-defense laws,” said Ohio Legislative Black Caucus President Alicia Reece. “The shooting of Trayvon Martin was a tragedy that should have never occurred. Our constituents are outraged over this Stand Your Ground Law. We will stand up with Ohioans across the state and oppose this dangerous legislation.”

President Reece said the petition drive will kick off this weekend at rallies and churches around the state and online

HB 203 was introduced in the House on June 11th and, if passed, will expand the circumstances under which a person has no duty to retreat before using lethal force in self-defense. This bill is nearly identical to Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, which recently led to George Zimmerman being found not guilty of any crimes in the fatal shooting of Trayvon Martin.

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